GET, LLC's Blog: Savoy Contract Furniture

Showing posts with label Savoy Contract Furniture. Show all posts

Buying for Retail-Some Advice for Purchasing Quality Leather Furniture

A great article re-emerged from Russell Bienenstock in the home furnishings industry's top publication on the benefits and advantages to buying leather furniture products. His first in a two part piece in the New Rochelle, New York-based Furniture World Magazine made me think-WOW! This blogger shares some of it here and I must say it was very informative and helps with the argument on whether or not to use this material in a modern office or living space:

"...From a consumer standpoint, buying a leather sofa can seem like a “no-brainer, wrote Bienenstock. "There are no fabric patterns to choose, simplifying decorating decisions for the design-challenged. It is also true that quality leather has properties which can make it superior to many fabrics.

Consider the following...Leather outlasts most fabric coverings. It has an exceptionally long useful life. It will not tear and is half again as strong as other upholstery materials -- even along the seam lines. It is fire resistant and emits no toxic fumes, even when exposed to intense heat. Modern full grain leather products won’t crack or peel. Quality leather stretches and retains its shape without sagging. It 'breathes', assumes body temperature rapidly and is instantaneously comfortable. It resists heat and sun damage. Leather is a practical material, ideal for busy lifestyles. No special solvents or cleaners and no lengthy or expensive procedures are necessary for its care. Leather generally ages well.

On the other hand, depending on how it is used, covers promoted and sold as leather differ in how long they will last, how easy they are to clean, in their suppleness and, how effectively they can be repaired. There are big differences in leather price, quality and wear, yet retail customers may have trouble evaluating how these differences correlate with desired benefits. This is not surprising since even retail salespeople who should have this expertise, may not be conversant with the types of leather, finishes or products such as leather splits, vinyl and fabric/leather composite materials.

Although home furnishings industry professionals do not need to know the fine details of leather production, basic information regarding hide quality, tanning, dyeing and finishing can help retailers to steer customers toward making informed purchase decisions."

The article stresses that there is quality to be had across the entire price point spectrum. Best to be educated than to make a poor design and material choice. In the end the value will be appreciated by the owner or end users.

Don't think leather is only for the ultra-rich. Bienenstock remarked that tanning technology, globalization and composite leather materials are changing the marketplace making leather furniture more affordable and gaining broad consumer appeal.

For more on how GET, LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific furniture needs-even leather-please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility. All the solutions are Made in America!!!

Styling Your Furniture Strategy on Campus

Attracting students while walking the budget tightrope is a true balancing act. As a University Adjunct Professor and vendor to the same University, I know that very well. Providing storage, a workspace, seating, and most importantly somewhere to sleep, doesn't have to be an exercise in compromise for university or college facilities managers and buying teams.

Furniture replacement is an opportunity to fully develop your strategy for attracting and retaining students. The most successful plans are, at some point, evaluated from the viewpoint of the student. Here are some simple, cost effective ways to get your residence halls to stand out.

1. Gadgets-Your students have tons of them. Give them somewhere to plug-in.

2. Cushion-A soft seat goes a long way. If their room isn't comfortable, they'll look for one that is.

3. Denim-Consider providing at least one or two deep drawers. Jeans can take up a lot of precious storage space.

4. Color-Express your campus's personality with color. Fabrics and wood finishes can ooze personality and good vibes.

Things that make their life easier, more comfortable, and let's not forget fun, don't have to be complicated or expensive.

For more on how GET, LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific furniture needs- please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility. All the solutions are Made in America!!!

Mattress Market to See Spike Soon

It appears that Memorial Day cannot come soon enough for bed companies. Furniture Today is reporting that the bedding market is off and running ahead of the May 26, 2014 weekend. The Greensboro, North Carolina based on-line and multi-media publication noted the industry should benefit from what retailers are calling "pent-up" demand for mattresses stemming from winter sales losses and warmer weather translating into significant traffic in mattress stores across the USA.

Klaussner’s Enso Sleep Systems says they are entertaining major customers and that their new gel bedding line, which features a Total Surface Coverage (TSC) design, is resonating with retailers. Enso Sleep Systems is offering a Labor Day power buy that features a 10-inch, gel-infused memory foam mattress. Classic Brands is banking on their Revo reticulated foam line and its new Sleep Trends line of compressed mattresses aimed at E-Commerce retailers to yield great sales numbers this Spring. Interest in Simmons’ new ComforPedic iQ line of self-adjusting memory foam mattresses remains high. These examples and the roll-outs of the many independent mattress retailers from across the country will certainly spell good things in the industry this quarter.

This time last year, the bedding industry saw $19.2 billion in third-quarter 2013 sales growing just 1.9 percent from the previous year. Will sales be flat this quarter?

Specialty mattresses are expected to continue increasing in popularity and market share by most accounts. According to International Sleep Products Association reports, the specialty mattress industry has grown from 22% of revenues in 2009 to 33% of revenues in 2012 and increased units by 18% from 2011 to 2012. UK-based Research and Markets forecasts US growth of 12% for memory foam mattresses alone from 2012-2016. The increases in specialty mattresses are attributed to several factors by the reporting agencies including greater durability, higher owner satisfaction in consumer surveys and online reviews, increase of sleep disorders and awareness, as well as lower prices in the last couple years which have made the products more accessible to consumers and contributed to specialty mattress trends.

Safe and Flexible with Bunk Beds

A recent article by Atlanta, Georgia based on-line magazine Student Housing Business.com featured a Q&A with Savoy Contract Furniture Marketing Manager Kelly Uhland with the focus on Bunk Bed Safety in boarding schools, colleges and universities. One of the most experienced teams in the furniture business specializing in student housing and residence hall furnishings are based at Savoy's Home Office in Montoursville, Pennsylvania.

Foremost in these professionals' thoughts? Student safety.

Property management firms, designers, and school administrators all need to take a hard look at the realities of students sleeping six feet off the floor and what can be done to protect them.

"Estimates show more than 2,000 instances each year where 18-22 year old students seek medical treatment for bunk-bed related injuries," said Uhland. "Recent litigation has cited both institutions and manufacturers liable for the injury, even when alcohol was involved."

Uhland noted that Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations provide voluntary measures to be taken by manufacturers like Savoy Contract Furniture-just one of the many companies that make institutional beds for the 7,000 higher education institutions in America serving 15 million students.

"Limited budgets create tough decisions for builders even as risk managers shake their heads. Lawsuits continue to be on the rise, and people are taking notice," said Uhland.

She offers some advice to housing managers and school and college administrators to make sleeping on campus safer:

• Look for adjustable height beds that do not exceed 30 inches.

• Bolt on guard rails.

• Documentation is key.

Uhland noted that there are many questions to ask and answers to seek when procuring residence hall furniture.

Keep in mind that versatility, storage, style and budget may drive decisions from one vendor to the next, but safety must drive the final decision to make that purchase without compromising design.

For more information on how GET, LLC and Savoy Furniture (GSA Dorm and Quarters Contract #GS-27F-3019D (John Savoy & Son, Inc.)) can assist with your case goods needs, call us at 671-483-0789 or check out our website at www.get-guam.com.

Do You Practice Cost-Avoidance with Your Inventory of Furniture?

GET, LLC received a great piece of advice from our partners at Savoy Contract Furniture that we wanted to share with you-practice cost avoidance by minimizing furniture repairs and replacements. From experience, Savoy Furniture has found that their respective customers experience a significant reduction in these costs with their durable, high quality residence hall and lounge furniture. From campuses to corporate offices, this practice of cost-avoidance through the implementation of revenue producing ideas attracts and retaining students and or repeat customer business. They ask that we all differentiate our office or housing facility with all new designs, and unique personalization options. Savoy Furniture takes it one step further by recommending that we provide our end users with the versatility to reinvent their respective spaces with stacking chests, loftable beds, and mobile furniture.

Why is this important?

Spending on quality furniture can pay off in years to come. according to The Wall Street Journal. In fact, the publication asserted in 2012 that buying top-grade pieces can be a good investment: good furniture, along with other home design elements, can last a lifetime and increase in value.

Also, purchase a high-quality product which is easier to maintain than lower-quality furniture.

You’ll find high-quality furniture, at a variety of price levels, from a well established company with a good reputation.

“Learn the history of the company from which you want to buy,” said Assistant Director of North Carolina State University’s Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center (FMMC) Steve Walker.

Furniture manufacturer Shelby Williams released a report recently that stated that there are four things to take into account when investing in high-quality furniture:

Choose the Right Product for the Application-different applications require different products, so the way you operate your business should determine the furniture selection.
Ensure Furniture Is Tested to Standards-The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) has a series of widely recognized tests for seating.
Request a Furniture Sample
Consider Your Brand’s Environmental & Social Reputation-Environmentally responsible solutions such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood, bio-based foam and formadahyde-free finishes are very typical today. These are all great features; however, buying good quality furniture that performs well for many years might be the ‘greenest’ action of all, as it means less furniture goes to the landfill.

Dealing with Price Resistance-Our Friends at Savoy Share a Simple System to Address The Four Types of Buyers

Savoy Contract Furniture has been a great partner to GET, LLC. They were the first company we engaged as we set out on this adventure that is a small business. To develop further business, some words of wisdom from the Pennsylvania team that we wanted to share with you relative to buyers-without whom we would not have sales.

"There are all kinds of buyers out there, but you can break them down into four types. Follow this simple system to turn price objections into opportunities to close.

The Expert knows the price of everything - and the value of nothing. First, have the customer reiterate what he wants most from his furniture. Then, add each feature step-by-step, matching it with the value it creates for your customer:

Construction - reduce maintenance costs
Style - attracted to a unique look.
Warranty - no worries, we'll take care of it - fast!
Service - use a personal approach

The Victim is afraid he's paying too much for everything - and that his boss is going to find out. Take away features until he's either ready to buy, or until he starts telling you to "add them back in". If he insists on comparing our value with the competition, subtract what your customer isn't getting from the competition, point-by-point:

Materials - If we used lower grade materials we could lower the price.
Construction - If we built it to only last 5 years we could lower the price.
Delivery - If we extended our lead times we could lower the price. Our price includes the features your customer probably likes most about your product.

The Flea Market Buyer believes that everything is negotiable and value is established only after he gets a better price. Multiply the value of what you're selling by the intangibles:

Reputation - is everything. We stand behind our products and our customers attest to that.
Our Experience - years of insight is engineered into our products.
Quality - Many of our customers experience up to an 80% reduction in furniture maintenance costs when they install our product. Bargain hunters will recognize value, if you make them face the facts.

Mr. Apples and Oranges is always comparing prices between products which have no basis for comparison. This customer breaks down benefits into smaller units, dividing by time periods.

Bottom line? The incremental cost can be translated into real value and is easier for the customer to relate to.

For more on how GET, LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific FF&E needs- please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility. All the solutions are Made in America!

2013 A Good Year for Bedding Industry

The Greensboro, North Carolina-based Furniture Today is reporting that 2013 was a good year for the bedding industry. Quoting an International Sleep Products Association report, units increased 1.5 percent and 2.1% in U.S. Dollars. In this Blogger's opinion, this is significant news related to this important industry.

Why does GET, LLC value the work of the IPSA? Next year they celebrate 100 years of encouraging uniformity in industry standards and government regulations and are always fighting the good fight for the common interests of the 700 bedding manufacturers and related industry members world wide. Their analysis hits at every level of the bedding industry is very informative-they truly understand the bedding industry and those involved are best served by tapping the IPSA's expertise.

The IPSA figures showed the innerspring segment outperformed the specialty sleep segment helped last year by a strong sales year of hybrid sleep sets-the combination of innersprings and specialty foams.

Furniture Today reports that preliminary figures for last year show innerspring mattress units up 2.7% for the year, compared with a 7.3% decline for specialty mattress units. And the dollar value of innerspring mattress shipments was up a healthy 8.1%, compared with a 4.3% decline for specialty mattress dollars-the worst performance of the specialty sleep segment since 2009.

The average unit price for innerspring mattresses was up 5.3% for 2013, to $266.02, while it increased 3.2% for specialty mattresses, to $767.90. But the average unit price for foundations plunged 7.5%, to $80.83. Overall, the industry saw the average unit price rise just 0.5% last year, to $217.11, according to the preliminary figures.

Final figures for 2013 won't be available until ISPA completes a more detailed look at the year and issues its annual report in a few months.

ISPA also issued a fourth-quarter breakdown that showed innerspring mattress units up 4.1%, compared with a steep 11.7% decline for specialty mattress units. Innerspring mattress dollars were up 9.1% in the fourth quarter, while dollars were down 4.8% for specialty mattresses that quarter.

There is a caveat to all this information as the ISPA cautions that the reports may not necessarily reflect the performance of the full industry, due to market share or distribution changes. Good to know. We will continue to follow this story and keep you posted.

For more on how GET,LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific bedding needs-please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility. All the solutions are Made in America!

Case Good Furniture Business On Up Swing

A great article in on-line industry magazine Furniture Today highlighted the increase in business of Case Good Vendors across the country-a sign that design, finish and materials mean so much today in a very tough furniture marketplace.

Writer Thomas Russell noted that the introductions of more modern furniture looks comes as the economy is making a comeback through the housing and employment marketplaces.

"Case goods vendors say they want to be prepared with fresh new looks and approaches to both bedroom and formal dining," wrote Russell.

Our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture have responded with their industry competitors. Their push is simply: Curves, pops of color, personality.

Savoy rolled out last month a great desk system that provide ample work space with less of the bulk of traditional student desks and a new "kidney-shaped" desktop design.

The detachable desktop storage unit is an open concept design with both form and function and finished in the color of your choice-modern and polished appeal.

They also introduced a complementary High capacity storage drawer system with curves by design. Savoy allows you to choose your color of the laminate top to match the personality of your end user. Did I mention that they are also available as a stackable unit?

Savoy and other furniture manufactures are seeing positive response to changes in their respective products. Whether their respective lines are available in new finishes, painted, or other tones, the options are helpful to creating a certain aesthetic and feel for the modern living space or office. Expect this trend to continue throughout the year and beyond.

GET, LLC is a proud partner with Pennsylvania-based Savoy Furniture. We thank them for all that they do to give their customers the quality and stability that continues to make them a top choice for your respective case good needs.

For more on how Savoy Furniture and GET, LLC can assist you with your furniture needs, please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-797-0789 for more information.

Are You Receiving the Furniture You Desire?-A Tip from Savoy Contract Furniture

The lesson stems from your days in the classroom and almost certainly rears its head when making an important business decision-write it like you mean it. Our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture shared this bit of advice related to ordering that important piece of furniture for a customer or your respective business.

"Have you ever anticipated the arrival of your new furniture, only to be a bit surprised by what you receive? When maintenance issues start escalating and complaints become more urgent, it may be time to do some pre-planning for the next go-round. The nice thing is, you don't have to become a mechanical engineer to figure it all out; nor do you have to copy and paste from an existing spec to try and get what you want - you can work with one of our consultants to develop yours.

Writing the kind of detailed specification it takes to build a solid, stylish, and lasting piece of furniture is not easy. Ask any engineer and they will tell you. The details of your construction are the exact factors that will ensure you get exactly what you expect.

9 Ply Birch-Drawers

1. A drawer box, for example, should read: 12mm, 9 layer veneer core plywood for top performance.

2. Now add English Dovetail, 5-sided, wet construction, and you are well on your way to a strong drawer.

3. The final touch to your spec should include 5 sides to your drawer box. This allows for a detachable, easily reparable drawer front.

Write your spec like you mean it. The fact is, it matters. Contract furniture manufacturers are specialized for this very reason."

For more on how the HUBZone Certified GET, LLC, through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register, can assist you with your furniture needs-including writing your spec today-give us a call at 671-797-0789 or check out our website for details at www.get-guam.com. Have we said that Savoy has been engineering and manufacturing durable, stylish institutional furniture for over 6 decades? They are a great team.